PAWTUCKET, R.I. — A tragic shooting incident at a local skating rink has shocked the community, resulting in the deaths of two family members and the suspected shooter during a high school hockey game. Officials report that the situation, which unfolded at the Dennis M. Lynch Hockey Arena, appears to have been a targeted attack related to ongoing family strife.
The shooter, identified as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, allegedly opened fire during a senior night gathering where one of his children was participating in the game. The case has drawn attention not only for its violence but also for the complicated family dynamics involved, including Dorgan’s history of conflict surrounding his gender identity.
Reports show that Dorgan filed a police report in 2020 detailing conflicts with his father-in-law, who allegedly used derogatory language regarding Dorgan’s gender identity and threatened him over housing issues. This tension among family members seems to have escalated over time, culminating in the devastating events at the arena.
In court filings related to his divorce from Rhonda Dorgan, which was finalized in 2021, issues surrounding Dorgan’s gender reassignment surgery were initially cited as part of the marriage’s breakdown. Initially, Rhonda Dorgan referenced “gender reassignment surgery” and “narcissistic personality disorder traits”, but later amended the divorce grounds to “irreconcilable differences.” At the time of their separation, Dorgan was residing in Jacksonville, Florida, working as a truck driver.
Tragically, Dorgan is accused of shooting and killing his son and his son’s mother before turning the gun on himself. Authorities have expressed urgency in uncovering the full details behind this heartbreaking scenario, which reflects both personal turmoil and broader societal challenges.
As the community mourns the loss, questions remain about how such family conflicts escalated to violence and what support systems are in place to prevent similar tragedies in the future. With funerals and vigils likely to take place in the days to come, Pawtucket residents are coming together in shock and sorrow over the events that claimed the lives of two loved ones and a troubled family member.